Leather, Legends, and Lineapelle: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Leatherverse
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Time to read: 7 min
Imagine this: an all-expenses-paid trip to the biggest leather event in the world. It’s like Disneyland, but for leather lovers! Well, that actually happened to me. As a leather enthusiast, I’ve traveled to events across the globe, but there’s one I never miss— Lineapelle. Held in Milan, it’s the largest gathering of leather experts, craftsmen, and brands showcasing the best in the industry. This year, though, was different. I was invited by Lineapelle and the Italian Tannery Association to join a select group of craftsmen and content creators for a special campaign called "Is It Leather?"
In this blog, we will answer the following questions:
- What did the "Is It Leather?" campaign aim to achieve in addressing misconceptions about leather?
- How did the visit to Pompeii's ancient tannery enhance the understanding of leather’s historical significance?
- What key insights about leather sustainability were highlighted during the Lineapelle exhibition in Milan?
DISCLAIMER: This trip was sponsored by the Is It Leather campaign, supported by the leather industry, UNIC, and Lineapelle. The Is It Leather campaign aims to address widespread misconceptions about leather and educate the public on its sustainability, durability, and natural qualities.
Our goal is to remind people of the value of leather as a superior resource and counter false claims made by the plastic industry, which often misrepresents leather’s environmental impact. Through this initiative, we hope to clear the air and promote leather as an eco-friendly alternative that helps reduce plastic pollution.
The Purpose of the Campaign
The goal of the campaign was simple yet powerful: to remind the world of the beauty of leather, one of the oldest and most sustainable resources humankind has ever used. Now, before you think this was just another influencer trip—let me set the record straight. This wasn’t a paid promotion gig. The trip was all-expenses-paid, but we weren’t paid to endorse anything. We were simply there to experience, learn, and share the craft we’re all passionate about.
Pompeii: Where Leather’s History Unfolded
The journey kicked off with something unforgettable: a visit to Pompeii, the ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, where we had the chance to see the oldest tannery ever discovered. It was mind-blowing to stand in the ruins of a place where people worked with leather nearly 20000 years ago. To witness how the craft has evolved while still preserving some of its oldest traditions was truly eye-opening.
Read: HisTOURy: A Walk Through Pompeii’s Ancient Secrets
The Heart of Lineapelle
After Pompeii, we dove into three full days at the Lineapelle exhibition in Milan. Imagine hall after hall filled with leather of every kind, from the softest lambskin to the toughest hide, all exhibited by the world’s top tanneries. It wasn’t just about looking at leather, though. It was about connections. Conversations with fellow leather enthusiasts, craftsmen, designers, and industry professionals opened my eyes to so many different perspectives on this ancient material.
@tanner.leatherstein An invite to Milan’s top leather event? 🤯 Thanks to @isitleather, @lineapellefair, UNIC Italia, and La Conceria for this trip! DISCLAIMER: This trip was sponsored by the Is It Leather campaign, supported by the leather industry, UNIC, and Lineapelle. The Is It Leather campaign aims to address widespread misconceptions about leather and educate the public on its sustainability, durability, and natural qualities. Our goal is to remind people of the value of leather as a superior resource and counter false claims made by the plastic industry, which often misrepresents leather’s environmental impact. Through this initiative, we hope to clear the air and promote leather as an eco-friendly alternative that helps reduce plastic pollution. #historytok #ecofriendly #leathertanning #leatherfacts #leathertok #milan #lineapelle2024 #tannerleatherstein ♬ original sound - Tanner Leatherstein
I came back with an even greater appreciation for our craft—how it has evolved and how, despite the advancements, it still ties us back to our roots. Leatherwork is one of the oldest trades in human history, yet it continues to be relevant today. This event reinforced that connection and showed how our industry is working hard to stay sustainable.
The Truth About Sustainability
Speaking of sustainability, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about leather. And that’s part of why this campaign, "Is It Leather?", is so important. Leather doesn’t have the massive budgets that industries like plastics do to spread their messaging. The reality is, if we don’t use leather, we’re increasing the demand for plastic alternatives, which are often petroleum-based. These products eventually break down into microplastics, contributing to pollution.
On the other hand, leather is a byproduct of the meat industry. Most of us eat meat, so using leather is a responsible choice—it upcycles what would otherwise be waste and turns it into something durable, natural, and long-lasting. Leather doesn’t just decompose, it ages beautifully over time.
Learning and Sharing the Craft
This trip was so much more than I expected. I’ve always been passionate about leather, but now I have an even deeper appreciation for the craft. I learned that while we’re making strides toward more sustainable practices, the roots of leatherwork—passed down over millennia—are still very much alive.
If you have any questions about leather or want to learn more about this incredible material, I’m here to help. Whether you're curious about the tanning process, the ethics behind leather production, or how to make better choices when purchasing leather goods, I’d love to share my knowledge. After all, this ancient craft deserves to be understood, celebrated, and preserved for future generations.
Let’s keep the conversation going about one of humanity’s oldest and most sustainable resources: leather.
Want to read more?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
How can I suggest a brand for review?
You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
- A 30-minute follow-up call to review findings and gather feedback on your objectives.
- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
Is Tanner available for media interviews?
Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
- Video Fee: A $1,000 production fee covers review, filming, and editing costs. This is separate from the product reimbursement.
- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
